Nickel

Disorders

The nickel deficiency in the body is rare due to its small needed quantity. However, it can occur with excessive sweating.

In humans, the lack of nickel has not been sufficiently tested, but symptoms in animals include slowed growth, reproductive changes and altered lipids (fats) and glucose levels in the blood.

In humans, it has been observed changes in skin color, hair becomes coarser, hormonal imbalance and abnormal bone growth. Liver function is impaired and it affects the metabolism of iron, with less absorbed of iron.

Excess of nickel by diet is very rare. The most common symptoms are observed when a person comes into physical contact with nickel or inhalation with nickel-contaminated air (in industrial zones, cigarette smoke, car exhaust). In nickel sensitive people the dermatitis occurs that feels like an itch. It is believed that 10-20% of people are sensitive to nickel (contact sensitivity).

Symptoms of nickel poisoning are often in industrial zones

In larger amounts nickel is a carcinogen, as it increases the risk of lung, nose and throat cancer. In addition, there are also respiratory problems (breathing difficulties) when the nickel is inhaled. These problems include asthma and bronchitis.

Other problems that occur due to excess of nickel are: poor bone development, decreased resistance to infection, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, vomiting.